Further COVID restrictions are being discussed by a number of senior Ministers this morning.

It's expected the country will move to level four plus for a number of weeks.

A meeting between the coalition party leaders, a number of senior ministers, the Chief Medical Officer and the head of the HSE got underway at 12 noon.

They're expected to finalise the details of a plan that would move Ireland beyond level four restrictions.

While schools are expected to stay open, non-essential retail businesses are likely to close.

The full cabinet is due to meet at 4pm to consider the proposals and make a final call, with an announcement late this evening.